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Mouse clinic - Imaging Unit

Bruker Biospec 7T MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful medical imaging
modality that can provide anatomical and physiological information
using strong magnetic fields and radiofrequency waves to manipulate
the nuclear spin. Anatomical images can be formed through T1 and T2
weighted imaging, and contrast agents can be used to distinguish
tumors from surrounding tissue. Physiological information can also
be determine with techniques such as diffusion, perfusion, and
angiography. Moreover, relative metabolite concentrations can be
determined through spectroscopy. For these reasons, MRI is one of
the most useful cancer imaging modalities.

Albira
PET/CT

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a type of nuclear imaging
where functional information is ascertained via the injection of
positron-emitting radiotracers. PET is often combined with computed
tomography (CT), which provides a 3D anatomical correlation using
x-rays. Together, PET/CT can be used to accurately and precisely
locate tumors through the detection of high uptake of the injected
radiotracer. The most commonly used tracer is
18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), which is taken up by
highly energetic tissues, such as tumors. Other commonly used
tracers include 68Ga-DOTATATE, which aids in the
detection of neuroendocrine tumors by binding to somatostatin
receptors, and 18F-choline, which can detect quickly
proliferating cells such as tumors that take up choline for the
generation of phospholipids in the cell membrane. Due to the
abundance of radiotracers available, PET/CT is a primary detection
method for several types of tumors and metastases.

MILabs USPECT/CT

Single positron emission tomography (SPECT) is another type of
nuclear imaging which generates images via the detection of
gamma-emitting radiotracers. The most commonly used SPECT isotope
is 99mTc, which is often labelled with methylene
diphosphonate in order to detect bone metastases. There are
numerous SPECT radiotracers available which can be used for a
variety of techniques, such as bone scans, myocardial perfusion,
and radiotherapy.

Bruker ICON 1T MRI

As mentioned earlier, MRI is a useful imaging modality used for
anatomical and physiological imaging. Due to the difficulty of
transporting animals between the 7T MRI and the nuclear imaging
scanners, the ICON is available for the purpose of being used in
conjunction with the PET/CT and SPECT/CT. MRI has an advantage over
CT due to its high soft tissue contrast, which can be more useful
for anatomical correlation. Thus, the ICON is available as a system
to conveniently perform dual modality imaging, such as PET/MRI and
SPECT/MRI.

PerkinElmer IVIS Spectrum

Optical imaging is a highly useful imaging modality for cancer
research, which is used for bioluminescence, fluorescence, and
Cerenkov luminescence imaging. Bioluminescence imaging is often
performed via the incorporation of the luciferase protein into
tumor cells that are subsequently injected into a laboratory mouse.
By injecting D-luciferin, light is produced and tumor growth can be
tracked by the intensity of the light. Fluorescence imaging can be
likewise useful in tumor monitoring via the incorporation of
fluorescent markers in the tumor cells or the injection of
fluorescent dyes. Cerenkov luminescence imaging is a recently
developed imaging modality that uses optical imaging to detect PET
radiotracers, which offers a high throughput alternative to PET
imaging.